If you have no interest in seeing exactly what went into my bag for our 3 week trip (and wish to not be bored to tears), this post might not be for you. A month ago when my crazy self began worrying about what to pack for April in Europe, I did some research and google was absolutely NO HELP. I landed on a few TripAdvisor links that warned me to "Pack sturdy walking shoes!" and "Always have a waterproof parka!" Motivated to not be the girl walking through Paris in hiking boots and a North Face, I turned to blogs for help.
Herpackinglist.com is an okay site for tips, but I don't find packing lists to be helpful, because I need photos for inspiration on combinations and colors. The best post I found was this one and I decided to base my choices on her suggestions.
1. I packed a simple cross-body bag for our day trips. Fits the necessities--doesn't weigh me down.
2. I bought this awesome backpack almost a year ago and will be using it as my second carry-on item.
3. My ONA camera insert
fits all three of my cameras and can be popped into any bag for our day
touring. If you have a DSLR, this is the perfect solution.
4. For Luggage I went with the LeSportsac Weekender
because it was the lightest and most "expandable" option. I realize
bags with wheels are awesome for lots of walking, but they also weigh
you down and aren't the best on old cobblestone streets or stairs. I
found the red version of the LeSportsac for $25 (compare at $138!) at TJ
Maxx, and while it isn't the most fashionable bag ever, I fit
EVERYTHING and it's half the size of an International carry-on rolling
bag. Chase has one in black.
1. This
skirt isn't exactly like the one I packed, but it's similar. I found it
for $10 on the Anthro sale rack 2 years ago, and it's light and cotton
and can be paired with virtually any solid top.
2. I found this grey dress on clearance at Piperlime, and I think it will work nicely for day and night.
3.
The red dress was a gift, but I noticed Cup of Jo put it up on her blog
recently, and it immediately sold out. Mine was in the clearance section back in January--it amazes me how influential her endorsements are!
Anyways, I think the day to night concept again applies.
4. Striped H&M dress. Takes up no room and is very neutral.
5. I also snuck in a nice silk dress in the hopes I can wear it to a fancy dinner (not pictured).
2. White jeans (not easy to keep clean, but I love them)
3. Black leggings for under skirts/dresses, long train rides, and pajamas
4. Jean jeans-because they are dark, skinny and go with everything
1. Black tee
2. Striped tee for sleeping and travel
3. JCrew white ballet tee for layering
4. A scarf to add some color to neutrals
1. Thin purple jcrew cardigan for a pop of color
2. Gap sweatshirt for layering and probably sleeping
3. My favorite Cashmere cardigan
4. An old faithful Michael Kors raincoat-via TJMaxx for $20 (I'm the ultimate Fashionista)
I picked 5 tops that I could mix and match easily--2 silk shirts, a dressy white top, my H&M chambray and a cotton/silk plain blend navy top.
1. Lucky flats- TJ Maxx
2. The most comfortable wedges ever. No brainer for dinners out. (I have to admit, I did first see these on Cup of Jo before trying them on at a Nordstrom.)
3. Hinge boots I wear often and know will be comfortable for the majority of my walking.
4. I debated on bringing my Keds because we will be hiking in Cinque Terre and I wanted to have comfortable shoes, but they are about 5 years old and not in the best shape. Instead, I found these Bensimon's on a Zulily sale (allow approximately 3 years for shipping) and they are cute and light enough to squeeze in my bag.
Some other essentials I decided could fit are a travel blow dryer (my thick hair would never dry naturally on a cold day) and a travel iron. Chase laughed out loud when he saw the iron because it looks like it belongs in a Monopoly game. I refuse to walk around with wrinkles!
The final piece of advice I have for packing is to invest in packing cubes. We each used a set with our LeSportsacs and everything fit wonderfully. I think it will also be easy to stay organized and separate clean from dirty as we go. I'll report back after the trip, but I'm hoping this post will help aid the cyber world when they turn to google before deciding on key items.
